LINDEN, Michigan — A retired Flint Police captain will take over as head of Linden’s Police Department starting next year.

The Linden City Council appointed Scott Sutter to the part-time police chief position at its meeting on Monday.

Sutter is a recently retired captain from Flint Police after 23 years of service.

City Manager Chris Wren said that Sutter’s qualifications, personality and commitment to the position stood out among the 52 applications the city received for the position.

“Scott will bring a great deal of experience and education and energy to not only the police department, but the city as a whole,” he said.

He will start in the new position in Jan. 3.

Sutter said he’s excited about the position and already feels a connection with the community. Sutter, who lives in Fenton Township, but about a mile from the city limits, said he and his family frequent downtown Linden often.

“I live here, I want to be a part of the community,” he said.

As part of Sutter’s contract, he will work 25 hours per week and be paid a hourly wage of $26 for the first six months. After a review the rate will increase to $27 and after a year of employment, it will increase to $28 an hour. He also will be eligible for the city’s dental plan.

Sutter will replace Peter VanDreissche, who took a buyout from the city earlier this year, as the city looked to cut costs. As a result to save money, the position was moved to part-time.

Earlier this year Sutter was a finalist for the Flushing Township police chief, but was beat out by candidate Dale Stevenson.